Parkland Eases Home Sign Laws

PARKLAND -- The city that prides itself on maintaining its rural, pristine appearance is softening its approach toward real estate signs.

But though it may be getting easier to advertise a home for sale, fines and penalties on political signs that are too big or in the wrong place are getting tougher.

On Wednesday, city commissioners tentatively agreed to let real estate agents put signs indicating an open house on the intersections of the city`s roads.

``I think this has become a necessity,`` Commissioner Joe Lettelier said. ``It will help residents sell and buy homes.``

The signs would point the way to homes for sale. Previously, the city had allowed real estate signs only in front of a house.

But a group of real estate agents asked the city for permission to put up the signs at intersections on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The move to allow more signs is unusual because Parkland has one of the strictest sign codes in the county, keeping signs smaller than those in many other cities.

But real estate agents told commissioners that prospective buyers are having a hard time finding their way to homes for sale in Parkland.

``I guess we need a way for people to find these homes for sale,`` City Manager Harry Mertz said.

The change in the sign code for real estate signs must be approved by the Planning and Zoning Board and twice more by commissioners before it is final.

Commissioners also took the first step toward cracking down on political signs.

They said they want the Planning and Zoning Board to consider changing the sign ordinance so that people who have put up illegal political signs have 24 hours rather than 72 hours to take them down.

Under city ordinances, political signs may not be placed on the median strips of roads. No matter where a sign is placed, it cannot exceed the city`s maximum size requirements.

Commissioners want the planning board to consider raising the fine from $25 to $500 if the illegal signs are not removed within 24 hours.

``We`re trying to help solve a situation where people can beat the system,`` Mertz said. ``It may be that some people may try to beat the system by putting up an illegal sign on Friday. Under the present ordinance, an illegal sign could sit there over the weekend.``

Mertz said commissioners asked to make the ordinance on political signs tougher after the city elections last March. Though there were no particular problems with illegal signs, commissioners told Mertz they want to prevent sign clutter in the future.